Form 4: Verizon SVP Acquires Phantom Stock in Compensation Plan

Verizon's SVP and Controller, Mary-Lee Stillwell, acquired 49.582 phantom stock units through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Mary-Lee Stillwell, SVP and Controller of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), reported an acquisition of phantom stock units.
• The transaction occurred on November 20, 2025.
• She acquired 49.582 phantom stock units at a price of $11.64 per unit.
• Each phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and is settled in cash.
• These units become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.
• Following this transaction, Mary-Lee Stillwell beneficially owns 12,934.483 phantom stock units indirectly through a deferred compensation plan, which includes units acquired through dividend reinvestment.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock by an insider, particularly through a deferred compensation plan, is a routine event but can be seen as a minor positive signal of management's alignment with long-term company performance.

Positives

• An insider, the SVP and Controller, acquired additional phantom stock units, potentially signaling confidence in the company's future performance.
• The acquisition was part of a deferred compensation plan, aligning management's long-term interests with shareholders.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain explicit forward-looking statements or guidance, as it is a report of a past insider transaction.

Management Comments

• Each share of phantom stock is the economic equivalent of a portion of one share of common stock and is settled in cash.
• The shares of phantom stock become payable upon events established by the reporting person in accordance with the deferred compensation plan.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing is a routine disclosure of an insider transaction, common across publicly traded companies, reflecting executive compensation and deferred incentive structures within the telecommunications industry.

Related Party Transactions

• Acquisition of 49.582 phantom stock units by SVP and Controller Mary-Lee Stillwell through a company deferred compensation plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transaction indicates continued alignment of executive interests with long-term company performance, as the phantom stock units are tied to the company's equity.
• Employees: Reflects standard executive compensation practices, which may influence overall compensation strategies within the company.

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

Recommendation

This Form 4 reports a routine insider acquisition of phantom stock through a deferred compensation plan. While it indicates management's continued participation and alignment with the company's long-term performance, it does not provide new fundamental information to warrant a change in investment recommendation. Investors should consider broader financial performance and market conditions.

Keywords

Verizon, VZ, insider transaction, Form 4, phantom stock, deferred compensation, executive compensation, beneficial ownership