Form 4: Verizon Executive Acquires Phantom Stock in Deferred Plan

Verizon's EVP and Group CEO-VZ Business, Kyle Malady, acquired 120.397 units of phantom stock through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Kyle Malady, Executive Vice President and Group CEO-VZ Business at Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), acquired 120.397 units of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on March 12, 2026, and was an acquisition (Code A).
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and is settled in cash.
• The acquired phantom stock units are equivalent to 34 shares of common stock, with a derivative security price of $14.44.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Malady beneficially owns 410,521.482 units of phantom stock indirectly through a deferred compensation plan.
• The phantom stock includes units acquired through dividend reinvestment.
• These phantom stock units become payable upon events established by Mr. Malady in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal. While a routine compensation event, an executive's acquisition of additional company equity, even phantom stock, generally reflects continued alignment with company performance and long-term value creation.

Positives

• An executive's acquisition of phantom stock, even through a deferred compensation plan, generally signals confidence in the company's future performance.
• The increase in beneficial ownership by a key executive aligns their interests with those of shareholders.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan, indicating future vesting or payout events.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider acquisitions, even through deferred compensation plans, are common in the telecommunications industry as a form of executive incentive and retention. This particular transaction reflects a standard component of executive compensation packages at large public companies like Verizon.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Executive compensation structures involving phantom stock and deferred compensation plans are standard practice across major U.S. corporations, including peers like AT&T and T-Mobile, which utilize similar mechanisms to align executive interests with long-term shareholder value.
• The acquisition of phantom stock through dividend reinvestment is a common feature in such plans, allowing executives to compound their holdings over time, similar to practices observed at companies like Comcast and Charter Communications.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock occurred through a deferred compensation plan, which is a standard arrangement between the executive and the company.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction aligns executive interests with shareholder value, potentially fostering long-term growth.
• Employees: No direct impact on general employees is indicated by this filing.
• Customers: No direct impact on customers is indicated by this filing.
• Suppliers: No direct impact on suppliers is indicated by this filing.
• Creditors: No direct impact on creditors is indicated by this filing.

Next Steps

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

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine executive compensation event involving the acquisition of phantom stock. While it signals continued insider alignment, it does not present new information significant enough to alter a seasoned investor's fundamental outlook or recommendation for Verizon stock. The transaction is part of an expected compensation structure rather than a discretionary open-market purchase.

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Kyle Malady, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Insider Trading, Executive Compensation, SEC Form 4, Stock Acquisition