Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now

They used to call it dark fiber...

It was the 1990s. Telecom firms plowed billions into fiber optic networks to prepare for the coming explosion in traffic for the web, wireless systems, and computer networks.

Turns out, the supposed "gold rush" was just a few years ahead of its time. So, much of the fiber optic systems sat unused. They were quite literally dark - no light, no data, was shining down the high-speed cables.

But quietly over the past few months, the fiber-optic sector has hit critical mass.

It's lit up like never before.

Consider that one small-cap leader has already handed savvy broadband investors gains of nearly 300% over the past year.

And with a market cap of just $342 million, the fast-moving stock still has plenty of room to run.

In a moment, I'll show you just what I mean...

First, we need to look at the big trends pushing this and other fiber optic stocks into the stratosphere.

Top 5 Sliver Companies To Own For 2016: Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd (IGG)

Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd., incorporated in April 1992, is a communications services provider. The Company�� subsidiaries are B Communications Ltd. (B Communications) (formerly 012 Smile.Communications Ltd.) and GoldMind Ltd. (formerly Smile.Media Ltd.). B Communications is the controlling shareholder of Bezeq. It owns 78.11% of the interest B Communications. Bezeq is the principal provider of communications services in Israel. The Group has four areas of operation, which include Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications, Pelephone Communications Ltd., Bezeq International Ltd. and D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. The Company�� subsidiary, B Communications, holds 30.44% interest of Bezeq (TASE:BZEQ). On March 14, 2011, B Communications purchased additional interest in Bezeq increasing its ownership interest to 31.37%. On March 3, 2011, Partner completed its acquisition of 012 Smile.

Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications primarily includes Bezeq�� operation as a domestic operator, including telephony services, Internet services, transmission services and data communications. Pelephone Communications Ltd. provides cellular services (cellular communications), marketing of end-user equipment, installation, operation and maintenance of cellular communications equipment and systems. Bezeq International Ltd. provides international communications services, Internet access (ISP) services, and network endpoint (NEP) services. D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. provides multi-channel broadcast and value added services via satellite.

Bezeq fixed-line business

Bezeq's telephony services include basic telephony services on domestic telephone lines and associated services, such as voice mail, caller identity (ID), call waiting, call forwarding, speed dial, and conference calls. Bezeq also provides national services for businesses (1-800, 1-700) that offer full or partial payment for incoming calls by businesses. As of December 31, 2010, Bezeq operated about ! 12,500 public telephones around the country, which were operated by various types of pre-paid cards. Bezeq operates a unified telephone directory for fixed-line and cellular telephony operators, as well as a unified Website, which is free of charge, in addition to its 144 (directory information) service. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 2,367,000 active telephone lines.

Bezeq provides broadband Internet access infrastructure services in xDSL technology. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 1,111,000 Internet subscribers. Data communications services are network services for point-to-point transfer of data, transfer of data between computers and various communications networks, services to connect communications networks to the Internet, and remote access services. The companies operating in this field are Cellcom, Partner (which acquired the Med-1 operation), HOT and Internet companies that also use leased infrastructures. Bezeq offers transmission services, including high speed services, to other communications operators and to its business customers over a variety of protocols. At December 31, 2011, the percentage of Internet subscribers connected to the next generation network (NGN) was approximately 87% of Bezeq's total Internet subscribers, and the percentage of subscribers using NGN services was 48% of all Internet subscribers connected to the NGN network.

Bezeq provides services to other communications operators, including the cellular and international operators, cable broadcasting license-holders, NEP operators, ISPs, domestic operators, and Palestinian communications providers. Bezeq�� services include infrastructure, connection to Bezeq's network, transmission, billing and collection, rental of space and provision of services in its rented properties and rights of use for seabed cables. Bezeq operates and maintains radio transmitters, including those operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, television transmitters of Channel 1, Educational Television and Cha! nnel 2, a! nd the transmitters of regional radio stations. Bezeq also operates digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters. Bezeq is responsible only for operation and maintenance of the transmitters for distribution of radio and television programs, and not for the content of the broadcasts.

Bezeq performs setup and operation work on networks and sub-networks for various customers, such as the Ministry of Defense, HOT, radio and television broadcasting companies, cellular and international communication operators, local authorities, municipalities and government agencies. Bezeq and HOT have agreements for the provision of installation and maintenance services of cable networks, on Bezeq's infrastructure, from the starting point of those licensees��operating center, up to the point of delivery at the entrance to subscribers��homes. The IP Centrex service is a virtual private exchange service. Data Center service enables provision of a solution for customers from the aspects of backup and survivability. 144 Internet site is a search engine for finding business and private telephone numbers. Bezeq�� launch of its new generation network (NGN) has enabled it to offer new services, such as Bphone (a service enabling telephone calls to be made through the Internet as calls made from a fixed-line phone), on-hold music, storage services on the network and home exchange services.

Pelephone

Pelephone provides its subscribers with an offering of voice transmission, transmission of text messages, data communications and advanced multimedia services. Pelephone�� service package includes basic call services, call completion services and auxiliary services, such as call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, voice conference call and caller ID. Pelephone offers its customers value added services, such as Internet surfing, text messaging and information services using short message service SMS (text), multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages, voice information services using ! special p! urpose asterisks, information and entertainment services through as Internet portal. Pelephone�� value added services also include the ability to watch various television channels, such as music, sports, news and entertainment channels, and the ability to photograph and forward video files.

Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network. Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. The roaming tariffs are defined in the Individual Annex. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network.

Bezeq International

Bezeq International provides communication solutions to its customers in the private and business sectors, in four areas of operation. It includes Internet access services, International tele! phony ser! vices, NEP services, and Data and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), solutions. In the voice services sector, Bezeq International provides international direct dialing (IDD), services to business and private customers; toll-free number services for business customers overseas; international call routing and termination services (hubbing) transfer of international calls between foreign communication providers (worldwide), calling card services enabling prepaid and postpaid dialing from and to Israel, for business and private customers, and the 1809 service for dialing from Israel to other countries. Bezeq International also provides domestic telephony services by means of Voice over Broadband (VOB), access.

In the Internet services sector, Bezeq International provides Internet access services for private and business customers, including terminal equipment and support, with an emphasis on broadband Internet based on asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or cable infrastructures; hosting services site storage and server services in a designated installation for business and private customers, including value-added services (such as monitoring and control); information security services, services securing customers Internet and local area network (LAN) connections using the required terminal equipment or software, including monitoring; data services with international data communication IP solutions for business customers, including global deployment if necessary, and wireless fidelity (WIFI) access fast wireless access solutions for private and business customers, including in various public locations (hotspots).

Bezeq International supplies of international data communication solutions for business customers, including customized global deployment. As part of the service contracts, Bezeq International supplies direct maintenance of a range of exchange manufacturers. The services are given to gateways, exchanges and NEP designated for use with both internal and ! external ! lines. As part of business information technology (IT) solutions, Bezeq International provides communications services, including data and overseas communication services, server and Website hosting services, technical maintenance and support services, networking and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and IP based services. Bezeq also provides ICT solutions to business customers as part of an overall ICT solution for businesses. Bezeq International provides broad communications services, including international data and communication services, server and site hosting services, technical support and maintenance services, network and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and managed IP services.

DBS

DBS�� broadcasts approximately 150 different video channels, of which 14 are pay-per-view (PPV) channels and 19 are high definition (HD), channels, 20 radio channels, 30 music channels and interactive services. The broadcasts include a basic package which each subscriber is required to purchase as well as additional channels chosen by the subscriber, whether as a package or as single and PPV channels. The main channel packages marketed by DBS in addition to the basic package are the movie, entertainment, children's, music, sports, science and nature packages. DBS also has a content Website which is operated together with Walla! which allows viewing of various forms of content, some of them at a fee. DBS markets personal video recorder (PVR), decoders which interface with DBS�� electronic broadcast schedule and enable receipt of special services, including ordering recordings in advance, recording series and pausing live broadcasts. DBS also provides its subscribers with HD broadcasts, which can be received through special decoders.

The Company competes with Cellcom Israel Ltd., or Cellcom, Partner. 013 Netvision, 012 Smile, 018 Xfone, HILAT Israel Telecom! municatio! ns Company Ltd., and Telzar International Communication Services Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Alexis Xydias]

  Brokerages are beating banks and the broader market in Europe. The Stoxx 600 Financial Services Index has gained 12 percent this year, more than twice the 5.6 percent advance for a gauge of European banks. Hargreaves Lansdown Plc (HL/), the U.K.�� largest retail broker, which received record cash in its latest quarter, according to an April 17 statement, advanced 33 percent. IG Group Holdings Plc (IGG), the London-based provider of spread betting, rose 30 percent.

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Cellcom Israel Ltd.(CEL)

Cellcom Israel Ltd. provides cellular communications services in Israel. It offers basic and advanced cellular telephone services, text and multimedia messaging services, and advanced cellular content and data services. The company?s basic cellular telephony services include voice mail, cellular fax, call waiting, call forwarding, caller identification, collect call, conference calling, ?Talk 2?, additional number services, and collect call services; and outbound and inbound roaming services. It also provides value-added services comprising Cellcom volume that includes downloadable content, such as music, games, on-net-reality programs, drama series, and video games; SMS and MMS services to send and receive text, photos, multimedia, and animation messages; access to third party application providers for notification of roadway speed detectors, mange vehicle fleets, and enable subscribers to manage and operate time clocks and various controllers for industrial, agricultural , and commercial purposes; video calls to communicate with each other through video applications; zone services for calls initiated from a specific location; location-based services; voice-based information services; text-based information services and interactive information services, including news headlines, sports results, and traffic and weather reports; and data services to access handsets, cellular modems, laptops, tablets, and cellular routers, as well as Internet based payment services. In addition, the company sells handsets, modems, routers, tablets, and laptops, as well as provides repair and replacement services; and offers landline telephony, transmission, and data services through its approximately 1,500 kilometers of inland fiber-optic infrastructure and complementary microwave links to selected business customers. As of March 31, 2011, it provided its services to approximately 3.395 million subscribers. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Netanya, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Cellcom Israel (NYSE: CEL  ) is getting a new CFO.

  Following the company's successful merger with Netvision, current Chief Financial Officer Yaacov Heen is declaring his mission accomplished, and says he intends to resign his post on Sept. 17 after 16 years with the company. At that time, Cellcom says it will bring on Shlomi Fruhling, the former VP for strategy and finance at Netvision, to become the merged company's new CFO on Sept. 18.

• [By Garrett Cook]

  In trading on Monday, telecommunications services shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.35 percent. Meanwhile, top decliners in the sector included Cellcom Israel Ltd. (NYSE: CEL), down 5 percent, and Partner Communications Company Ltd. (NASDAQ: PTNR), off 3.9 percent.

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: IN Media Corp (IMDC)

IN Media Corporation, formerly Tres Estrellas Enterprises, Inc., incorporated on March 5, 2007, is a development-stage company. The Company focuses on providing integrated Internet protocol television (IPTV) services for platform providers for any device from large screen televisions to handheld mobile phones. It provides a combination of hardware, software, manufacturing and content services for platform providers to either complete their offerings or provide an all-in-one solution. On October 16, 2009, the Company executed an agreement between In-Media Corporation (In-Media) and the Company, subsequent to which In-Media was merged into the Company.

The Company�� partnerships with platform providers, such as Comcast, AT&T, DirecTV, provide an installed base of customers, as well as allowing platform providers to be the billing and service interface to customers. The Company is focusing on its first implementation in China through its Chinese distributor, which will include provision of set top boxes (STB)-related system support, reference platforms and technology, and access to over 4,000 titles of Hollywood and Bollywood movies.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks IN Media Corp (OTCMKTS: IMDC), Epazz Inc (OTCMKTS: EPAZ) and Polaris International Holdings (OTCMKTS: PIHN) have been busy developing new devices/products or making acquisitions. Moreover, at least two of these small cap stocks have been the subject of paid promotions or investor relations types of activities. Keeping that in mind, will new devices/products or acquisitions help these small caps along with their investors or traders? Here is a closer look:

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Harris Corporation (HRS)

Harris Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a communications and information technology company that serves government and commercial markets worldwide. It operates in three segments: RF Communications, Government Communications Systems, and Broadcast Communications. The RF Communications segment designs, develops, and manufactures secure radio communications products and systems for manpack, handheld, soldier-worn, vehicular, strategic fixed-site, and shipboard applications that operate in various radio frequency bands. It also offers products and solutions ranging from wireless network infrastructure solutions to portable and mobile single-band and multiband radios, and public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions for the public safety, federal, utility, commercial, and transportation markets. The Government Communications Systems segment develops, supplies, and integrates communications and information processing products, systems, and netw orks for aerospace, terrestrial, and maritime applications supporting department of defense missions. This segment also provides mission-critical communications and information processing systems for the U.S. civilian Federal market, as well as offers IT transformation, managed, and information assurance solutions. The Broadcast Communications segment provides workflow, infrastructure, and networking solutions that enable media companies to streamline workflow from production through transmission; media solutions to manage digital media workflow through software solutions for advertising, media management, digital signage, broadband, digital asset management, and play-out automation; and transmission systems for delivery of media over wireless broadcast terrestrial networks. The company also offers healthcare IT solutions, IT compliance solutions, and mission-critical managed satellite communications services. Harris Corporation was founded in 1895 and is based in Melbourne, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  The Department of Defense ended the week with a bang (if you'll pardon the expression) Friday. Across a field of 26 contracts awarded, the Pentagon laid out plans to spend nearly $2.5 billion in total. A few of the publicly traded companies winning awards included:

• [By Rich Smith]

  The JSOW�is a Raytheon-designed 1000-lb. "glide bomb." Dropped from a fighter at high altitude, it can travel as far as 78 miles to strike a target, guided en route by GPS signals.

  Harris Corp (NYSE: HRS  ) was awarded a modification to a firm-fixed-price contract requiring it to supply two counter communications system (CCS) Block 10 increment 1 system upgrades by July 25, 2014.

  CCS�is a land-based system designed by Northrop Grumman, the purpose of which is to jam an enemy's satellite communications.

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Softbank Corp (SFTBF)

SOFTBANK CORP. is a Japan-based company that provides digital information services. The Company has six business segments. The Mobile Communication segment provides cellular phone services and sells attached cellular phone terminals. The Broadband and Infrastructure segment provides high-speed Internet access services, Internet protocol (IP) phone service, and contents. The Fixed Communication segment provides transmission services for audio and data, as well as exclusive line and data center services. The Internet Culture segment is engaged in the Internet advertising, broadband portal and auction businesses. The Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) segment sells personal computers (PCs), peripheral devices and software for PC use, as well as provides business-to-business and business-to-customer e-commerce services. The Others segment is involved in the broadcasting media, technology service, media marketing and overseas fund businesses.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks rose Wednesday after a lower open, with action quiet as most other Asian markets were closed for the Christmas holiday. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) gained 0.4% to 15,948.04, but with the broader Topix 0.4% lower. Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) , operators of the 7-Eleven convenience-store chain, rose 1.3% as a Nikkei Asian Review report said it planned to pay about 楼5 billion yen to purchase nearly half of Bals, which runs home-and-kitchen-furnishings retailer Francfranc. Chip maker Renesas Electronics Corp. (JP:6723) (RNECY) was a strong performer, rallying 5.3% after suffering a sizeable drop in the previous session. On the downside, shares of Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) fell 0.9%, after a separate article in the Nikkei saying that previously reported plans by the firm to buy T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS) through its newly acquired Sprint (S) unit would value the transaction at more than 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) and would take place as early as next spring. Auto-maker stocks were mixed after the release of Japanese car-sales data for November, with Toyota Motor Corp. (JP:7203) (TM) flat, Honda Motor Co. (JP:7267) (HMC) down 0.4%, Mitsubishi Motors

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks rose Wednesday after a lower open, managing solid gains with most other Asian markets were closed for the Christmas holiday. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) climbed 0.8% to 16,009.99, its first close above the 16,000 level since late 2007. The broader Topix ended with a more modest 0.1% rise. Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) , operators of the 7-Eleven convenience-store chain, rose 1.5% as a Nikkei Asian Review report said it planned to pay about 楼5 billion yen to purchase nearly half of Bals, which runs home-and-kitchen-furnishings retailer Francfranc. Chip maker Renesas Electronics Corp. (JP:6723) (RNECY) was a strong performer, rallying 6.5% after suffering a sizeable drop in the previous session. On the downside, shares of Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) fell 0.5%, after a separate article in the Nikkei saying that previously reported plans by the firm to buy T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS) through its newly acquired Sprint (S) unit would value the transaction at more than 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) and would take place as early as next spring. Auto-maker stocks were mostly higher after trading mixed following the release of Japanese car-sales data for November. Toyota Motor Corp. (JP:7203) (TM) added 0.2%, Honda Motor Co. (JP:7267)

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- With the yen holding on to its gains and investors cautious as earnings season kicks off, Japanese stocks slid lower Friday after closing the previous day with some late-session gains. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) fell 0.9% to 14,358.28, with the Topix down 0.8%, as the dollar bought 97.36 yen, little changed from 24 hours earlier. The relatively strong yen weighed on some names with high global exposure, as Sharp Corp. (JP:6753) (SHCAF) lost 1%, Pioneer Corp. (JP:6773) (PNCOF) dropped 1.6%, and Bridgestone Corp. (JP:5108) (BRDCF) fell 1.2%. An outlook cut from Canon Inc. (JP:7751) (CAJ) helped send its shares down 1%, while rival Nikon Corp. (JP:7731) (NINOF) lost 1.8%, though Olympus Corp. (JP:7733) (OCPNF) gained 1%. Telecoms were weak, with Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) falling 2.5%, KDDI Corp. (JP:9433) (KDDIF) down 1.7%, and NTT DoCoMo Inc. (JP:9437) (NTDMF)

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Verizon Communications Inc.(VZ)

Verizon Communications Inc. provides communication services. The company operates through two segments, Domestic Wireless and Wireline. The Domestic Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data services; and sells equipment in the United States. The Wireline segment provides voice, Internet access, broadband video and data, Internet protocol network, network access, long distance, and other services in the United States and internationally. The company serves consumer, business, and government customers, as well as carriers. As of December 31, 2010, its network covered a population of approximately 292 million and provided service to a customer base of approximately 94.1 million. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  Besides the six CEOs represented in the graph above, the rest of Silicon Valley's New Guard whom you'll find in XLK are Safra A. Catz and Mark V. Hurd at Oracle, Lowell C. McAdam at Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), Steven M. Mollenkopf at Qualcomm, and Larry Page at Google.

Top 10 Telecom Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Corning Incorporated(GLW)

Corning Incorporated manufactures and processes specialty glass and ceramics products worldwide. It operates in five segments: Display Technologies, Telecommunications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials, and Life Sciences. The Display Technologies segment manufactures liquid crystal display (LCD) glass for flat panel displays used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. The Telecommunications segment produces optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment products, such as cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and pedestals, splice and test equipment, and other accessories for optical connectivity to the telecommunications industry. This segment also offers optical fiber technology products for various applications, such as premises, fiber-to-the-home access, metropolitan, long-haul, and submarine networks. The Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications. The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide approximately 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, and fluoride crystals used in commercial and industrial markets. The Life Sciences segment provides scientific laboratory products, such as general labware and equipment, as well as tools for cell culture and bioprocess, genomics and proteomics, and high-throughput screening. This segment also develops and produces various technologies, such as the Corning HYPERFlask Cell Culture Vessel for increased cell yields; and other novel surfaces, which include the Corning CellBIND Surface and the Corning Osteo-Assay surface. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is based in Corning, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Analysts at Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating on Corning (NYSE: GLW) with a price target lowered to $21 from a previous $23. Shares lost 0.65 percent, closing at $19.87.

• [By Steven Russolillo]

  Apple Inc.(AAPL), International Business Machines Corp.(IBM) and Exxon Mobil Corp.(XOM) spent the most on buybacks in the period. Apple repurchased $18 billion worth of stock, while IBM bought back $8.2 billion of its stock and Exxon repurchased $3.9 billion of stock. Five of the top 10 companies that implemented the biggest buybacks hailed from the tech sector, including Cisco Systems Inc.(CSCO), Oracle Corp.(ORCL) and Corning Inc.(GLW)

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  GMT Capital reduced its stake in lots of companies, including Corning (NYSE: GLW  ) , which has struggled in recent years, in part due to low prices and demand for LCD substrates. The stock has pulled back a bit from a 52-week high and sports a P/E ratio of 13. Some worry that Corning's acclaimed Gorilla Glass is threatened by growing interest in sapphire, while others argue that it's clearly a bargain at recent levels, with a forward P/E around 10 and a 2.6% dividend yield, to boot. It's worth noting its major presence in the fiber-optics world, too.

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Finally, Citadel's biggest closed positions included NetApp�and Newell Rubbermaid. Other closed positions of interest include CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL  ) and Corning (NYSE: GLW  ) . Telecom company CenturyLink has recently been yielding 6.1%, but that reflects a recent dividend cut of about 25% as the company focuses more on share buybacks. It landed a hefty Pentagon contract in April, with a possible 10-year value of $750 million, and has been moving into promising arenas such as cloud computing. The company has substantial debt, topping $19 billion, but also significant free cash flow, near $3 billion annually. Its debt load is lower than some peers, too.