Key Points Verizon's already massive debt has risen further this year. Verizon now has to balance expectations of dividend increases against its generous yield.Reducing or suspending its dividend to focus on debt reduction could help Verizon stock longer-term.

Verizon Communications beat Wall Street’s earnings expectations and hiked its 2025 earnings and free cash flow guidance on Monday, sending the stock higher. The wireless carrier reported adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.

Verizon shares gained Monday after the telecommunications giant's quarterly earnings topped analysts' estimates, and the company lifted the lower end of its full-year outlook.