Form 4: Verizon Executive Acquires Phantom Stock

Verizon Communications Inc. executive Joseph J. Russo acquired phantom stock units equivalent to common stock through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Joseph J. Russo, EVP & Pres-Global Networks & Tech at Verizon Communications Inc., acquired 80.144 phantom stock units on May 21, 2026.
• These phantom stock units are economically equivalent to common stock and will be settled in cash.
• The acquisition was made under a deferred compensation plan.
• The shares of phantom stock become payable upon events established by the reporting person.
• The filing also notes that the amount includes phantom stock acquired through dividend reinvestment.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, as it represents a routine executive compensation transaction rather than a significant strategic or financial event.

Positives

• Executive participation in deferred compensation plans can indicate confidence in the company's long-term value.
• Dividend reinvestment suggests continued accumulation of value within the plan.

Negatives

• The transaction is an acquisition of phantom stock, not a direct purchase of common stock, which may have different implications for immediate shareholder value.
• The value of phantom stock is tied to the company's stock price, meaning any decline in VZ's stock price would negatively impact the value of these units.

Risks

• The value of the phantom stock is subject to the performance of Verizon's common stock.
• The timing of payment for the phantom stock depends on events established by the reporting person, which could introduce uncertainty regarding cash flow realization.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the phantom stock is directly tied to the future performance of Verizon Communications Inc.'s common stock and the specific payment events outlined in the deferred compensation plan.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive participation in deferred compensation plans, such as phantom stock, is a common practice in the telecommunications industry to align executive interests with long-term shareholder value and retain key talent.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction itself does not directly impact current share price but reflects executive commitment to the company's stock performance.
• Employees: This type of compensation plan is typical for senior management and does not directly affect other employees.
• Management: The acquisition of phantom stock is part of the executive's compensation package.

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

Keywords

Verizon Communications, VZ, Form 4, Insider Trading, Executive Compensation, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Joseph J. Russo, SEC Filing