CenturyLink (CTL) Partners With VMware to Form Catalyst Club

CenturyLink, Inc. CTL recently joined forces with VMware, Inc. VMW, in a bid to form Catalyst Club — the industry’s first leader-oriented network.

Catalyst Club is an eminent group, combining information technology and business leaders from various geographies and industries. These professionals will create state-of-the-art transformative digital solutions that will leverage the service quality of CenturyLink. Notably, members of this group will combine the technological capabilities of CenturyLink and VMware to innovate breakthrough technologies.

The Catalyst Club is expected to widen the existing customer base of both CenturyLink and VMware. Additionally, the companies will increase the Catalyst Club’s activities by gathering candid service ideas and feedbacks from clients. These recommendations will be collected by providing strategic briefings and product roadmaps to users.

CenturyLink tries to strengthen its technological expertise through various investments. For instance, the ongoing fiber investments made to incorporate advanced technologies like 5 Generation small cells and Internet of Things revolution will likely prove beneficial. We also believe the formation of Catalyst Club will boost CenturyLink’s technological capabilities.

Over the past month, CenturyLink’s shares have rallied 22.7%, outperforming 5% growth recorded by the industry it belongs to.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock is poised to grow on the back of its cloud business strength and operational excellence. Nonetheless weakening local phone business and stiff business rivalry within the cable television-operations market remain causes of concern.

Stocks to Consider

Two better-ranked stocks in the same space are listed below:

Currently, AT&T Inc. T carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). The company pulled off an average positive earnings surprise of 5.86% over the past four quarters. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

Aquantia Corp. AQ also holds a Zacks Rank #2, at present. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 50.00%, over the trailing four quarters.

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