Form 4: Verizon CFO Plans Future Phantom Stock Acquisition

Verizon's EVP and CFO, Anthony T. Skiadas, reported a planned acquisition of phantom stock units under a Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Summary

• Anthony T. Skiadas, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), reported a planned acquisition of derivative securities.
• The transaction involves 7,222.922 phantom stock units, scheduled for acquisition on February 26, 2026.
• This acquisition is made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, indicating a pre-arranged contract for the purchase of equity securities.
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and will be settled in cash.
• The phantom stock units become payable upon events established by Mr. Skiadas in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.
• The reported price of the derivative security is $13.95 per unit.
• Following this planned transaction, Mr. Skiadas will beneficially own 141,102.593 phantom stock units indirectly through a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• The total value of the planned acquisition is approximately $100,750.95 (7,222.922 units * $13.95/unit).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as a key executive is increasing their indirect stake in the company through a pre-planned deferred compensation acquisition, indicating long-term confidence.

Positives

• The planned acquisition of phantom stock by a key executive, the EVP and CFO, signals confidence in the company's future performance and long-term strategy.
• The transaction is part of a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which demonstrates a pre-meditated commitment to increasing insider exposure to the company's equity.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units will become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan, indicating a future cash settlement tied to specific conditions.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly acquisitions by high-level executives like a CFO, are often interpreted by the market as a signal of management's confidence in the company's future prospects. While this is a planned acquisition of phantom stock rather than an open market purchase, it still reflects a commitment to increasing exposure to the company's performance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view this planned insider acquisition as a positive indicator of management's belief in Verizon's long-term value and performance.

Next Steps

• The phantom stock units will be acquired on February 26, 2026, as per the Rule 10b5-1 plan.
• The phantom stock units will become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The planned acquisition of phantom stock by Verizon's CFO, Anthony T. Skiadas, through a 10b5-1 plan, suggests management's long-term confidence in the company. While not an immediate open market purchase, it represents an increase in insider exposure, which is generally a positive signal for investors. However, given it's phantom stock and a future-dated transaction, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate, acknowledging the positive signal without suggesting immediate strong buying action.

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Anthony T. Skiadas, CFO, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, 10b5-1 Plan