Analysts were expecting SVB Financial Group (SIVB) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.28 for last quarter, but SIVB beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.61---33 cents above the consensus estimate.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $0.77 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that SIVB’s earnings are down this year.

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Also, if you compare SIVB's 9.75% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 8.52% for the Regional - Pacific Banks industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect SIVB to outperform the industry in the future---which is a good sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Regional - Pacific Banks industry, you can see how analysts believe SIVB will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like Westamerica Bancorp. (WABC) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Glacier Bancorp Inc. (GBCI) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe WABC's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 7.77% while GBCI's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 11.50%.

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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