CenturyLink Secures Industry-First Certifications From Cisco

CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:CTL) recently secured the industry’s first certifications for alliance partners from Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) related to its cloud and managed DNA services based on the Cisco Meraki platform. The accreditation validates the ability of CenturyLink to continually deliver the highest levels of performance on certification criteria.

Cisco Meraki offers unified management of mobile devices, Macs, PCs, and the entire network from a centralized dashboard. It helps to enforce device security policies, deploy software and apps, and perform remote, live troubleshooting on managed devices. It further helps to protect devices and their data, and restrict access to the app store, gaming and content.

CenturyLink’s Cisco Meraki solution facilitates enterprise customers to efficiently deploy and monitor Wi-Fi networks, wireless, phone, video surveillance and security services without compromising on security issues through a single administrative dashboard for an improved customer experience. The company leverages its deep domain knowledge and expertise in networking, communications and managed services to effectively meet the unique needs of its customers.

CenturyLink continues to focus on improving operational efficiencies through a number of methods like network simplification and rationalization. It also aims to establish itself as a global leader in cloud infrastructure. The company has hosted IT solutions arena designed for enterprise customers.

CenturyLink’s strong network capabilities, integrated hosting and network solutions are likely to promote growth in the cloud business. Notably, the company sees its managed and cloud services as a key differentiator from other players in the market, which should boost its top line.

The company is also investing in fiber-to-the-tower expansion and has expanded its fiber-based backhaul services. It expects its Managed Office and Managed Enterprise Solutions to continue gaining traction and drive revenue growth on the back of increasing demands from small and large business customers.

Further, CenturyLink’s broadband expansion goal will help it gain from the growing demand. The company has managed to enhance broadband speed with its continuous investments in network development.

Over the past six months, the stock has significantly outperformed the industry with an average return of 27.5% against a decline of 8.7% for the latter. Management believes that the company has ample business growth opportunities, which will help to drive long-term shareholder value.

CenturyLink currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the broader industry include BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB) and TIM Participações S.A. (NYSE:TSU) . While BlackBerry sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), TIM carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

BlackBerry has a healthy long-term earnings growth expectation of 18.6%. It topped earnings estimates twice in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 500%.

TIM has a solid long-term earnings growth expectation of 26.2%. It topped earnings estimates twice in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 25.5%.

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