Analysts were expecting LivePerson Inc. (LPSN) [Chart - News - Analysis] to report earnings of $0.06 for last quarter, but LPSN beat expectations with actual earnings of $0.08---2 cents above the consensus estimate. LPSN also issued earnings guidance for next quarter that is in line with current analyst expectations.

If you compare last quarter's earnings to the $0.04 the company made per share during the same quarter a year ago, you can see that LPSN’s earnings are up this year.

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Also, if you compare LPSN's 23.75% projected earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate for the next five years with the projected EPS growth rate of 16.16% for the Business Services industry as a whole during that same time frame, you can see that analysts expect LPSN to outperform the industry in the future---which is a good sign for the stock.

Drilling down a little deeper into the Business Services industry, you can see how analysts believe LPSN will stack up against some of the other stocks in the industry, like R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) [Chart - News - Analysis] and Mastercard Incorporated (MA) [Chart - News - Analysis], in the future. Analysts believe RRD's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 12.00% while MA's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 17.18%.

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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