Form 4: Verizon Executive Joseph J. Russo Reports Phantom Stock

Verizon EVP Joseph J. Russo acquired 86.173 units of phantom stock through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Joseph J. Russo, EVP & President of Global Networks & Tech at Verizon, acquired 86.173 units of phantom stock.
• The transaction occurred on June 4, 2026, at a price of $12.81 per unit.
• The acquisition was made through a deferred compensation plan.
• Following this transaction, the reporting person holds a total of 83,132.72 units of phantom stock.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral administrative filing reflecting standard executive compensation activity.

Positives

• Continued alignment of executive interests with company performance through deferred compensation participation.

Negatives

• None identified.

Risks

• Phantom stock value is tied to the performance of Verizon common stock, exposing the executive to market volatility.

Future Outlook

Not applicable as this is a routine insider transaction report.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that routine insider transactions involving deferred compensation plans are standard corporate governance practices and do not typically signal a change in strategic direction or material financial health.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of phantom stock units in deferred compensation plans is a common executive retention and incentive tool used by large-cap telecommunications firms like AT&T and T-Mobile.

Stakeholder Impact

• Minimal impact on shareholders as this is a routine compensation-related transaction.

Next Steps

• None.

Key Dates

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, Insider Trading, Form 4, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation