Verizon Exec Kyle Malady Buys Nearly 85K RSUs, Signaling Strong Insider Confidence Ahead of 2027 Vesting

Insider Confidence on the Rise: Verizon’s Executives Buy RSUs Amid a Bullish Quarter

The latest 4‑form filing from Verizon Communications shows EVP and Group CEO‑VZ Business, Malady Kyle, adding 84,926 Special Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to his holdings on February 4, 2026. The transaction, executed at a price of zero because the units are awarded rather than purchased, reflects a strategic confidence in Verizon’s future trajectory. With the company’s share price at $47.10—up 3.53 % on the day and 14.85 % in the month—Kyle’s move coincides with a broader pattern of insider buying across Verizon’s executive team.

A Pattern of Continuous Commitment

Kyle’s recent purchase history tells a clear story. Over the past nine months, he has bought phantom stock units in almost every quarterly filing, ranging from 138 to 154 units per transaction. In 2025, his holdings climbed steadily from roughly 375,000 to 397,000 phantom units, while in early 2026 he added 153 units, bringing his total to 396,960 units. The consistency of these purchases, even as the market fluctuates, signals a long‑term belief that Verizon’s valuation will continue to rise. This aligns with the company’s strong earnings trajectory—its price‑earnings ratio sits at a healthy 11.48, and the 52‑week high is only $47.58, suggesting room for upside.

Implications for Investors

For shareholders, Kyle’s RSU purchases are a positive signal. RSUs vest in December 2027, so the executive’s stake will mature over the next two years, aligning his interests with those of long‑term investors. Moreover, the recent spike in social‑media buzz (88.82 % communication intensity) and a robust +68 sentiment score indicate growing investor enthusiasm. Analyst upgrades and a 15.37 % yearly gain reinforce this upbeat narrative. Together, these factors suggest that insider confidence is translating into tangible market momentum, potentially driving the stock higher as the company continues to invest in 5G and fiber expansion.

Profile of Malady Kyle

Kyle’s insider activity is not an isolated occurrence. Across 2025‑26, he has consistently bought phantom stock units—an incentive structure tied to performance and retention—while occasionally selling a modest number of common shares in 2025. His transactions are largely “buy” types, with no large sell orders that might hint at a change in outlook. The volume of units acquired each quarter (≈150 units) reflects a strategy focused on incremental accumulation rather than speculation. Combined with his executive role, Kyle’s buying cadence suggests a belief that Verizon’s strategic initiatives—particularly the shift toward 5G and cost‑efficiency—will pay dividends in the medium to long term.

Looking Ahead

Verizon’s leadership team is collectively reinforcing confidence through consistent insider buying, even as the sector faces regulatory headwinds and competitive pressure from wireless rivals. The RSU award for Kyle, set to vest in 2027, underscores a commitment that extends beyond quarterly earnings. For investors, this pattern of insider activity—paired with a solid fundamental outlook and rising analyst sentiment—provides a compelling case to watch Verizon’s stock as it navigates the next phase of telecom innovation and market expansion.