Form 4: Verizon Executive Reports Phantom Stock Acquisition

Verizon Communications Inc. executive Joseph J. Russo reported the acquisition of phantom stock units under a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Joseph J. Russo, EVP & Pres-Global Networks & Tech at Verizon Communications Inc., acquired phantom stock units on June 17, 2026.
• The acquisition involved 84.361 phantom stock units, which are the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and are settled in cash.
• These phantom stock units become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.
• The filing also notes the inclusion of phantom stock acquired through dividend reinvestment.
• Following the transaction, Russo beneficially owns 83,217.081 phantom stock units, held indirectly through a deferred compensation plan.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, as it reports a routine transaction related to executive compensation rather than significant financial performance or strategic shifts.

Positives

• Executive participation in deferred compensation plans can indicate confidence in the company's long-term value.
• Dividend reinvestment into phantom stock suggests continued accumulation of value tied to the company's performance.

Risks

• The value of phantom stock is tied to the company's stock price, meaning any decline in Verizon's stock value would negatively impact the value of these units.
• The payout of phantom stock is contingent on specific events established by the reporting person, which could introduce timing uncertainties for the executive.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance. It reports a past transaction.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive participation in phantom stock plans is a common practice in the telecommunications industry, often used as a long-term incentive to align executive interests with shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction itself does not directly impact shareholders, but it reflects executive engagement with company equity through compensation plans.
• Employees: This filing is specific to executive compensation and does not directly impact general employees.
• Management: The filing details a component of executive compensation for Joseph J. Russo.

Key Dates

Keywords

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