Form 4: Verizon Executive Acquires Phantom Stock Through Deferred Compensation Plan

Verizon Communications Inc. EVP and Group CEO-VZ Consumer, Sampath Sowmyanarayan, acquired 159.397 phantom stock units valued at $12.31 each through a deferred compensation plan, increasing his total beneficial ownership to 127,708.079 units.

Summary

• Sampath Sowmyanarayan, EVP and Group CEO-VZ Consumer at Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), acquired 159.397 phantom stock units on May 22, 2025.
• Each phantom stock unit was valued at $12.31.
• The acquisition was made indirectly through a deferred compensation plan and includes units acquired through dividend reinvestment.
• These 159.397 phantom stock units are the economic equivalent of 45 shares of Verizon common stock.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Sowmyanarayan's total beneficial ownership of phantom stock units stands at 127,708.079.
• Phantom stock units are settled in cash and become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is slightly positive as it indicates routine executive compensation and alignment of interests, with no negative implications.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders, as the value of these units is tied to the company's common stock performance.
• The transaction represents a routine accrual of compensation, including dividend reinvestment, indicating a stable compensation structure for the executive.

Future Outlook

This Form 4 filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Industry Context

This type of executive compensation, involving phantom stock or other equity-linked instruments, is a common practice across various industries, including telecommunications, to incentivize long-term performance and align management interests with shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• For shareholders, this transaction represents a minor increase in executive alignment with company performance through equity-linked compensation.
• For the executive, it signifies an accrual of compensation as part of their deferred compensation plan.

Next Steps

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

Key Dates

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Executive Compensation, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Sampath Sowmyanarayan