Analysts were expecting CSG Systems International Inc. (CSGS) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.39 for last quarter, but CSGS beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.40---1 cent above the consensus estimate. CSGS also issued earnings guidance for next quarter that is in line with current analyst expectations.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $0.40 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that CSGS’s earnings are flat from a year ago.

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Also, if you compare CSGS's 8.38% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 15.08% for the Business Software & Services industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect CSGS to underperform the industry in the future---which is a bad sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Business Software & Services industry, you can see how analysts believe CSGS will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like Informatica Corp. (INFA) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Jack Henry & Associates Inc. (JKHY) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe INFA's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 16.89% while JKHY's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 12.80%.

Earnings season can be a volatile time in the stock market. Check out these videos and articles to be better prepared to take advantage of the large price moves that tend to accompany earnings announcements.

- Earnings Season is Here - Find Out How to Trade It

- Using Options to Trade Earnings

- Understanding Stock Analyst Research and Recommendations

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