Analysts were expecting NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.24 for last quarter, but NTRI beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.27---3 cents above the consensus estimate. NTRI also issued earnings guidance for next quarter that is in line with current analyst expectations.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $0.45 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that NTRI’s earnings are down this year.

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Also, if you compare NTRI's 16.67% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 19.18% for the Consumer Services industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect NTRI to underperform the industry in the future---which is a bad sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Consumer Services industry, you can see how analysts believe NTRI will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like Rural/Metro Corp. (RURL) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Standard Parking Corp. (STAN) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe RURL's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 0.00% while STAN's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 13.25%.

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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