Form 4: Verizon CFO Acquires Phantom Stock Units

Verizon's EVP and CFO, Anthony T. Skiadas, acquired 120.397 units of phantom stock through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Anthony T. Skiadas, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), acquired 120.397 units of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on March 12, 2026, with each derivative security priced at $14.44.
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and is settled in cash.
• These units become payable upon events established by Skiadas in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.
• Following this acquisition, Skiadas beneficially owns a total of 141,222.99 phantom stock units indirectly through the deferred compensation plan, which includes units acquired through dividend reinvestment.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral to slightly positive event, reflecting ongoing executive compensation and alignment, but not a direct equity investment that would significantly alter the company's financial position or outlook.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive like the CFO indicates continued alignment of management's interests with the company's long-term performance.
• Participation in a deferred compensation plan suggests a long-term commitment from the executive and a strategic approach to compensation.

Negatives

• The phantom stock units are cash-settled, meaning they do not represent a direct increase in the executive's equity ownership in the company's common stock.

Future Outlook

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

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that deferred compensation plans, often involving phantom stock or restricted stock units, are common mechanisms for executive retention and long-term incentive alignment in large telecommunications companies like Verizon. These plans allow executives to defer income and potentially benefit from future stock performance without immediate tax implications, aligning their financial interests with shareholder value over an extended period.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This type of deferred compensation acquisition is a standard practice for executive compensation in large, established companies across various industries, including telecommunications.
• For example, executives at AT&T (T) and T-Mobile (TMUS) also participate in similar long-term incentive and deferred compensation programs, often involving phantom stock or restricted stock units, to align their interests with shareholder value over time.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Indicates continued executive alignment with company performance through long-term incentives, potentially fostering stability in leadership.

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 filing reports a routine acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive as part of a deferred compensation plan. While it signals continued executive alignment, it does not represent a direct open-market purchase of common stock or provide new fundamental information that would alter an investment thesis. Therefore, it does not warrant a change in recommendation, suggesting a 'hold' for existing investors.

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Anthony T. Skiadas, CFO, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Insider Transaction, Executive Compensation, SEC Form 4