Is CenturyLink (CTL) Stock Outpacing Its Computer and Technology Peers This Year?

Zacks Equity Research
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For those looking to find strong Computer and Technology stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. CenturyLink (CTL) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of CTL and the rest of the Computer and Technology group's stocks.

CenturyLink is one of 660 individual stocks in the Computer and Technology sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #6 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. CTL is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CTL's full-year earnings has moved 8.78% higher within the past quarter. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock's earnings outlook is improving.

Our latest available data shows that CTL has returned about 15.29% since the start of the calendar year. In comparison, Computer and Technology companies have returned an average of -0.65%. This shows that CenturyLink is outperforming its peers so far this year.

Looking more specifically, CTL belongs to the Wireless National industry, a group that includes 17 individual stocks and currently sits at #55 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 1.54% so far this year, so CTL is performing better in this area.

Investors with an interest in Computer and Technology stocks should continue to track CTL. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.


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