The second-largest U.S. satellite TV company might have lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers in 2011, but it calmed investors with a dividend payment.
Dish Network lost subscribers as promotions picked up from rivals such as Direct TV. But the company's stock surged in November after it announced a one-time dividend of $2.20 a share. And earlier in the year, Dish's stock climbed on reports that AT&T might make a bid for the company. Though no deal has been made, analysts have said such a move would boost subscribers and reduce installation and customer service costs for Dish.
