Last week, I discussed the impressive earnings report from communication services company CenturyLink (CTL). The stock jumped as revenues and earnings both beat expectations. Management also reduced its yearly interest forecast, thanks to low rates and continued progress made on transforming the balance sheet. At this point, with most of the hard work having already been done, perhaps it is time for the dividend to be raised a bit. Today, I'll explore this scenario.
For more than half of the previous decade, the company was paying out a $0.54 quarterly dividend. Eventually, it